Biomedical subjects

J L Ferracane

Publications and source records attributed to J L Ferracane.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Mercury vaporization from amalgams with varied alloy compositions.

The fact that mercury is released from dental amalgam restorations after abrasion provides a source of continued controversy over the safe use of this material. Studies have shown that the amount and rate of mercury release vary for different amalgam products. The objective of this study was to determine how alloy composition affects mercury vaporization from experimental amalgams with similar alloy particle size and shape and percent residual mercury. An hypothesis to be tested was that mercury release is dependent upon the concentration of tin in the silver-mercury matrix phase of the amalgam. Seven spherical amalgam alloys (two low-copper and five high-copper) were made by a dental manufacturer (Tokuriki Honten, Japan). Trituration conditions were adjusted so that all set amalgams had the same residual Hg (47.3%). ADA-type amalgam cylinders were aged for 14 days at 37 degrees C, then lightly wet-abraded on #600 silicon carbide, dried, and placed into a tube through which air was blown at a rate of 750 mL/min. Mercury vaporization was monitored with a gold film analyzer (Jerome 411) for 30 min. Total Hg release was determined by integration. We analyzed polished specimens via electron microprobe to determine composition, volume fraction of silver-mercury matrix (gamma 1), and amount of tin in the gamma 1. The results showed a strong negative correlation (r2 = 0.941) between the log of total mercury released and the amount of tin in the gamma 1. The effect of alloy composition, specifically the presence or absence of zinc in the amalgam, could not be definitively determined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1995

Fracture toughness of experimental dental composites aged in ethanol.

Fracture toughness (KIc) is an intrinsic property which may be related to the ability of a restorative material to resist fracture and abrasion. This property may change for a dental composite restorative due to the effects of various oral solvents. The hypothesis to be tested was that aging in ethanol would cause a reduction in the fracture toughness of dental composites, and that the extent of this reduction might be dependent upon certain compositional variables. The fracture toughnesses of three series of experimental composites with various degrees of conversion, filler volume, and percent of silane-treated fillers were compared after the composites were aged for periods of one month and six months in 75% ethanol/water, a solvent which serves as a food-simulating liquid. An unfilled Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin served as the control. All composites, with the exception of one subjected to a post-light-curing heat treatment, experienced a significant reduction (from 30 to 56%) in KIc after being aged in 75% ethanol for six months. A similar reduction in KIc of 58% for the unfilled resin suggested that the reduction for the composites was due to a weakening of the resin matrix, which facilitated crack propagation. A simultaneous reduction in microhardness was also demonstrated. One month of aging in ethanol also produced large reductions in KIc for specimens with insufficient cure and minimal filler volume, suggesting that the properties of the resin matrix predominated for these composites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1995

Current trends in dental composites.

The clinical performance of dental composites has been significantly improved over the past decade through modifications in formulation that include: using more stable polymerization promoters for greater color stability; incorporating high concentrations of finely ground fillers to produce adequate strength and excellent wear resistance while retaining translucency; adding radiopacifying agents for improved diagnostics; and utilizing dentin adhesives. However, there are problems which limit the use of composites, especially in posterior teeth. The materials remain very technique-sensitive, due to the extensive contraction which accompanies polymerization and negatively influences marginal sealing. In addition, the materials are generally considered to have inadequate mechanical properties and wear resistance in contact areas to serve as total replacements for amalgams. Current efforts are focusing on several areas, including the development of non- or minimally-shrinking dental composites containing spiro-orthocarbonates as additives to dimethacrylates or epoxy-base resins, and the production of alternative filler materials for ideal wear resistance and esthetics. This paper reviews the composition and characteristics of current dental composites, as well as recent areas of study.

Carbonates↗

PubMed1994

Properties of posterior composite: results of round robin testing for a specification.

OBJECTIVES: Seven sites participated in the round robin testing of five dental composites in order to evaluate specific testing protocols for use in a specification for posterior composites. METHODS: The flexure strength, flexure modulus, solubility in water, and opacity after soaking in water and ethanol, were evaluated for five commercial dental composites at the seven different sites. Samples were either aged for one day or seven days before testing. RESULTS: Although they were not without problems, the results were supportive of including in a specification a test for solubility in water as well as one for flexural strength and flexural modulus. The specification would be similar to that described by ISO 4049, but based upon the results of this study, an increase in the acceptable values for two of these tests was suggested. The results of this study also demonstrated that despite following an identical protocol and using materials from identical batches, significant variations in absolute values were obtained among the Test sites. However, there was generally good agreement among the sites in the relative ranking of the materials. SIGNIFICANCE: These results provide a strong rationale for the inclusion of one or two standard materials in a specification designed to evaluate composites suggested for use in posterior teeth.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed1994

Elution of leachable components from composites.

A significant amount of residual monomer or short chain polymers remain unbound in set composite material. Due to its potential impact on both the biocompatibility and the structural stability of the restoration, many investigators have studied the elution of these unbound molecules into aqueous media. The results of these studies suggest that elution of leachable components from composites is rapid, with the majority being released within a matter of hours. Weight losses of up to 2% of the mass of the composite have been reported under certain conditions. The studies have also shown that the extent and rate of elution of components from composites is dependent upon several factors. The quantity of leachables has been correlated to the degree of cure of the polymer network. The composition and solubility characteristics of the extraction solvent influence the kinetics and mechanism of the elution process. Elution is generally thought to occur via diffusion of molecules through the resin matrix, and is therefore dependent upon the size and chemical characteristics of the leachable species.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed1994

Reduced mercury vapor release from dental amalgams prepared with binary Hg-in liquid alloys.

For the past ten years, the amounts of mercury vapor released from dental amalgams and the possibility of side-effects caused by these amounts have been discussed. Although no adverse health effects have been substantiated from these minute amounts, besides rare cases of allergies, this release should be reduced. The aim of this study was to reduce the mercury evaporation from a high-copper amalgam during setting by triturating the alloy powder with binary Hg-In liquid alloys having various indium concentrations set at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt%. Specimens (n = 4) were made for each amalgam according to ANSI/ADA Specification #1 and placed into a measuring chamber kept at 36.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C, through which a continuous air flow of 0.75 L/min was pumped. The total mercury release was measured during the setting period, according to the method described by Ferracane et al. (1992). Four additional specimens were prepared from a modified 14% Indisperse amalgam powder for the purpose of comparison. The results showed that the release of mercury vapor decreased with increasing indium concentrations, and that the amalgams made with the Hg-In liquid alloy with 10% In or more released significantly less mercury than the modified 14% Indisperse. The method of mixing indium in mercury prior to trituration appeared to be another effective method for reducing mercury evaporation during setting. The reduced mercury release may be explained by a reduction of mercury concentration in the structure, a reduction of vapor pressure for the mercury in the matrix phases, or more efficient formation of a surface oxide layer.

Dental Amalgam↗

PubMed1994

Marginal adaptation of the Concept inlay system.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fit of the Concept inlay system in three clinically relevant cavity preparations (an occlusal, MO and MOD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The processed inlays were adjusted as needed and seated on master dies. The greatest marginal discrepancy occurring along each margin was recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: The majority of the margins exhibited gaps in the range of 20-45 microns (statistically insignificant) with the exception of the distal margin of the MO which averaged approximately 80 microns and the buccal and lingual margins of the MOD which were approximately 70 microns (both statistically larger than the 20-45 microns range). This heat and pressure cured composite inlay system is capable of producing fairly closely fitting restorations.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1994

Reduction in operatory mercury levels after contamination or amalgam removal.

The threshold limit value (TLV) for occupational exposure to mercury can be exceeded in the dental operatory after a contamination event or during certain dental procedures. The objective of this study was to determine the time required for the mercury vapor levels to return to baseline in both non-ventilated and ventilated operatories after they had been contaminated with mercury to the TLV of 0.050 mg/m3; and to evaluate the efficiency of an activated charcoal filtering device for removing mercury vapor. The results showed that even in a poorly ventilated operatory, the mercury vapor level returned to background within 20-30 minutes after a contamination, and within 10-20 minutes when the operatory was ventilated. The filtering device reduced the level of mercury vapor by approximately 25% during a continuous contamination event, but did not clear the operatory faster than normal settling after a limited source contamination. The filter caused a significant reduction in mercury in the breathing zones of the patient and dentist during and after amalgam removal, but did not eliminate the exposure. This study demonstrated the difficulty in contaminating an operatory with mercury vapor and confirmed the limited time mercury remains airborne, presumably due to its density and affinity for surfaces.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed1993

Enhanced evaporation of mercury from amalgams in non-oxidizing environments.

The release of mercury from two freshly triturated amalgams exposed to a reducing atmosphere, hydrogen, was quantitated at three different temperatures. A low-copper and a high-copper amalgam were placed into a flowing hydrogen gas atmosphere for 60 min after trituration, and then the hydrogen was replaced by compressed air. The results were compared to those obtained in a previous study in which air and argon atmospheres were used under identical conditions. At 37 degrees C, the rate of evaporation of mercury from the amalgams was similar when they were exposed to hydrogen before being exposed to air. During exposure to hydrogen, the evaporation rate appeared to exceed the limit of the gold film mercury analyzer (284 pg/mm2/s), but was rapidly reduced upon exposure to air. The results were identical to those from argon exposure. When the same experiment was performed at 80 degrees C, the evaporation rate after hydrogen exposure was greater than that after exposure to argon, and far greater than that during exposure to air alone. Similar results were achieved at 110 degrees C, but there was less difference between hydrogen and argon exposure. The results support previous studies which show that the evaporation of mercury from amalgam is mainly limited by the formation of an oxide film.

Air↗

PubMed1993

Compositions of surface layers formed on amalgams in air, water, and saline.

The surface layers formed on both a zinc-free and a zinc-containing dental amalgam after polishing and aging in air, water, or saline, were characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the compositions of the surface layers which might govern the release of mercury from amalgam. The XPS data revealed that the formation of the surface layer on the zinc-containing amalgam was affected by the environment in which the amalgam was polished and aged, whereas that on the zinc-free amalgam was not affected. In addition, among the elements contained in amalgam, zinc was the most reactive with the environment, and was preferentially dissolved from amalgam into water or saline. Mercury atoms existed in the metallic state in the surface layer.

Air↗

PubMed1992

Quantitation of total mercury vapor released during dental procedures.

An in vitro method is described in which measurements were made of the total amount of mercury vapor released from three types of amalgam during routine dental procedures. It was found that the greatest amount of mercury was released during dry polishing of one amalgam (44 micrograms). Removal of amalgam from a Class I cavity under water spray and high volume evacuation also generated large amounts of mercury as expected (15-20 micrograms). However, under the more clinically relevant conditions of extending evacuation for one minute to remove residual amalgam and mercury after cutting, this value was reduced by approximately 90%. The total amount of mercury generated during placement (6-8 micrograms), wet polishing (2-4 micrograms) and trituration (1-2 micrograms) were also measured. The study showed that dental procedures associated with amalgam do potentially expose the patient and operator to mercury vapor. However, the total amount of mercury released during any procedure was far below the total exposure level calculated from the daily threshold limits established by regulatory agencies for occupational exposure.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

PubMed1992

Post-cure heat treatments for composites: properties and fractography.

Two commercial and four experimental composites were subjected to post-cure heat treatments of 10 min and 3 h duration immediately after light-curing. Fracture toughness, flexural modulus, microhardness and degree of conversion (FTIR) were evaluated 24 h later. The results showed that post-cure heat treatments at 120 degrees C of short or long duration can be used to produce significant improvements in the degree of cure and the mechanical properties of dental composites used as inlays. A 10 min heat treatment was as effective as a 3 h treatment in enhancing properties and degree of cure. In addition, a 3 h heat treatment carried out 7 days after the initial light-curing was capable of improving properties and cure to almost the same extent as the immediate heat treatments. The improvement in properties, in conjunction with the fractography, indicate a toughening of the filled resin matrix and possibly an improved filler/matrix adhesion in the microfills. The changes appear to be predominantly the result of an increase in degree of cure.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed1992

Solvent degradation and reduced fracture toughness in aged composites.

Qartz- and barium-glass-filled composites aged for more than one year in ethanol experienced a significant reduction in fracture toughness (K1c), essentially identical to that experienced after two months of aging. This reduction is mainly attributed to a softening of the resin matrix, but cracking within the resin and at the filler/matrix interface, as revealed by SEM microscopy, may also have contributed. No significant cracking could be seen in the composites aged in water. Composites post-cured at temperatures approaching their glass-transition temperature also experienced a reduction in K1c after alcohol storage. Storage in water for one year had little effect on the K1c of composites cured at oral temperatures, but a significant increase was observed for those post-cured at elevated temperatures. This increase is difficult to explain, but appears to involve a filler/matrix interfacial phenomenon, because it was not observed in the unfilled resin. The results of this study demonstrate that an alteration in the fracture resistance and some degradation of the filler/matrix interface, as has been observed clinically, occur after long-term exposure of dental composites to certain solvents used as food-simulating liquids.

Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate↗

PubMed1992

Effectiveness of oxide films in reducing mercury release from amalgams.

The release of mercury from four freshly-triturated amalgams into air, argon, and moist air environments was quantitated at three different temperatures. Although a measurable amount of mercury was released from dental amalgam, the evaporation rate was immediately reduced by several phenomena, the most important being the formation of an oxide film on the surface. This hypothesis was supported by the fact that release rates were elevated in an inert argon environment, but declined dramatically once air was introduced and oxidation could occur. The further amalgamation of "free" mercury, as well as the presence of water vapor, also contributed to the reduced release rates observed during aging. Mercury release was reduced to a negligible level within three to four hours after trituration. Only one of the amalgams, Tytin, demonstrated a thermal dependence for mercury release in air. The results of this study suggest that the exposure to mercury vapor from a freshly placed amalgam restoration would be negligible in consideration of the normal estimated daily intake from all other sources.

Air↗

PubMed1992

Evaluation of subsurface defects created during the finishing of composites.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a degraded subsurface layer containing microcracks is produced in dental composites as a result of finishing procedures. Various composites in the form of rectangular bars were finished with a 12-fluted carbide bur or a fine diamond within minutes of light-curing, and were subsequently stained with silver nitrate. Microscopic evaluation revealed that significant penetration of stain occurred in the unfinished as well as in the finished surfaces. The extent of dye penetration that could be directly attributed to a damaged layer produced by the finishing procedure was less than 10 microns, being greatest for a microfill (Silux Plus) and a hybrid (P-50) composite. There was no difference between the effects of the finishing instruments. SEM analysis of the subsurface showed an absence of any cracks for the composites. However, occasional disruption of the interface between the pre-polymerized resin fillers and the matrix was apparent for the microfill material. The results showed that only a very limited subsurface damage may be created in certain composites during the initial contouring of a restoration.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1992

Using posterior composites appropriately.

The success rates of posterior composite restorations vary depending on whether they are used in clinical studies or by practitioners. This article offers a guide to determining when to use these materials.

Bicuspid↗

PubMed1991

Cytotoxicity of amalgams, alloys, and their elements and phases.

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative cytotoxicity of amalgams, alloys, and their constituent elements and phases, by means of a rapid and sensitive in vitro cell culture test. Pure copper and zinc showed intensive cytotoxicity, significantly greater than that of pure silver and mercury. Pure tin was non-cytotoxic. The gamma-one phase (Ag2Hg3) revealed moderate cytotoxicity, which was significantly decreased by the addition of 1.5% and 5% Sn. However, the addition of 1.5% Zn to gamma 1 containing 1.5% Sn dramatically increased the cytotoxicity of gamma 1 to the same level as that of pure zinc. Whenever zinc was present in amalgams, higher cytotoxicity was revealed. High-copper amalgams showed the same cytotoxicity as a zinc-free low-copper amalgam. The addition of selenium did not reduce the cytotoxicity of amalgam. The cytotoxicity of amalgams was reduced after 24 h. The results of this study suggest that the major contributor to the cytotoxicity of alloy for amalgam is probably copper, while that for amalgam is zinc.

Copper↗

PubMed1990

Marginal leakage in class V composite resin restorations with glass ionomer liners in vitro.

This in vitro study evaluated the use of a glass ionomer lining cement in conjunction with composite resin in class V preparations in terms of marginal sealing ability. Two preparations, the occlusal walls in enamel (etched) and the gingival walls in dentin, were place in each tooth. One contained the etched glass ionomer liner, a dentin bonding agent, and a microfill composite resin. The second contained the dentin bonding agent and the microfill composite resin. The teeth were thermocycled, stained with methylene blue dye, sectioned, and evaluated for leakage at the occlusal and gingival margins on a scale of 0 to 3. No significant leakage was recorded at the occlusal margin for either restoration. Leakage at the gingival margin was significantly reduced for the lined restorations, and in no instance did the dye penetrate beyond the liner, which suggests that the lining cement may significantly decrease leakage at the gingival aspect of composite resins in class V restorations.

Composite Resins↗